Trail Difficulty

Δ Elevation (FT)

Cove Mountain Trail

Activities & Features

Notes

Cove Mountain is a moderate kid friendly day hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that features a beautiful waterfall and stunning scenery. The first mile of this trail leading to Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hike in the park, so expect to see plenty of people. However, once you're past the 80 ft. falls the crowds quickly thin and impressive towering old forests surround the trail. At about 3.75 miles hikers reach the end of the Laurel Falls Trail. From there take a left for a short jaunt to the summit of Cove Mountain and sweeping views. There is plenty of camping available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

History

There is also an old fire lookout on the summit that was built in the 1930s. The tower is no longer used to watch for wildfires, instead the National Park Service has converted into an air quality measuring station.